Louisiana hunting licenses are required of all hunters who plan on removing game from public hunting grounds within the state. Hunters who are found practicing the sport without a valid license to hunt will be charged with poaching and subjected to numerous fines and penalties. To avoid this pitfall, hunters should make sure to buy hunting licenses that are appropriate for their purposes. Hunting permits are issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to residents and non residents alike. Categories of hunting licenses affect the fee rate of each license and are based on a variety of factors including the applicant’s age, whether or not he or she is a resident, the length of the license’s validity period before expiration and the type of game the applicant will be catching. Prior to buying hunting licenses, applicants must first meet the state’s hunter education requirements. Hunter education programs can be completed either in person or online and cover topics such as the proper way to handle game, hunting ethics, wildlife management and the safe way to use a firearm. Once the hunter education course is complete, students can use their certificate of completion to buy hunting licenses from the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Hunters can buy hunting licenses through the wildlife department’s online system. Hunting license applications can also be submitted in person or over the phone. For more information on how to get hunting licenses in Louisiana, read the sections outlined below:

What types of hunting licenses are available in Louisiana?

Numerous hunting licenses are offered to both residents and non residents through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Hunting licenses in Louisiana are classified according to a few factors, including the applicant’s residency status, the type of game, the length of the license’s validity and whether or not he or she is a current/former military member. Each type of hunting license allows for both residential hunting license and non-resident hunting license options. Recreational hunting license options include basic hunting seasonal licenses, big game hunting licenses, bow licenses, primitive firearm licenses, duck hunting licenses and sportsman's paradise licenses (which include basic/saltwater fishing, seasonal hunting, big game hunting, bow hunting, primitive firearms hunting, turkey hunting, duck hunting, Wildlife Management Area (WMA) hunting and recreational gear privileges).

Additionally, the department offers wild Louisiana hunting stamps (seasonal and one-day), including those for seniors, military members, wild turkey hunting, WMA hunting (ages 18 to 59) and duck hunting. Senior hunting licenses are available to Louisiana residents who turned 60 years of age on or after June 1, 2000. Fees for each license are based on the age of the applicant and the applicant’s residency status. Residents receive a discounted fee rate in comparison with non residents.

How do I purchase hunting licenses in Louisiana?

Hunting licenses can be obtained by both residents and non residents of the state. To buy hunting licenses from the wildlife department, applicants should choose one of the available purchase options offered by the department, including online and phone purchases. To buy hunting licenses online, visit the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Online Licensing System. Applicants must have a computer and printer to print their hunting permits once they have completed the purchase. To buy hunting licenses over the phone, call the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries license purchase hotline. Phone applicants must have a valid Visa or MasterCard available. Once the purchase is complete, the wildlife department will mail the hunting license to the address provided on the application.

Before purchasing a hunting license, applicants will be asked for some identifying information as well as proof of their residency status (if applying for a residential hunting license). The wildlife department requires applicants to have been living in Louisiana for at least six consecutive months prior to completing a hunting license application in order for them to be eligible for a residential hunting license. Additionally, applicants must meet the following requirements:

They must be registered to vote in the state of Louisiana (if registered to vote).

Their driver’s license must be registered in Louisiana (if licensed to drive).

All of their vehicles must be registered in Louisiana (if the applicant owns a vehicle).

They must have filed a Louisiana state income tax return (if working in Louisiana).

Am I required to take any hunting classes to be eligible for a Louisiana hunting license purchase?

All hunting license applicants born on or after September 1, 1969 must take a hunter education course before they can complete a hunting license application and buy a hunting permit. Hunter education students must be at least 10 years of age to participate. Children 10 and 11 years of age must be supervised at all times during each hunt.

Hunter education courses can be taken in two forms: the 10-hour classroom option or the home-study option. Applicants must be at least 14 years of age to participate in the home-study hunter education course option. Once the course is passed, students will be issued a certificate of completion which they can use to buy hunting licenses.

How do I replace hunting licenses in Louisiana?

Hunters in Louisiana who are dealing with a lost, stolen or damaged hunting license can buy hunting license replacements through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. To do so, visit the department’s Online Licensing System, or call the licensing hotline to apply for a duplicate over the phone. Duplicate hunting licenses are available for a small fee. Trip hunting permits (i.e. one-day and five-day permits) cannot be duplicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All throughout the United States, hunters safety classes must be completed in order for applicants to obtain their desired hunting permits and stamps. Failure to take this specific course will result in the rejection of your hunting license request, thus requiring you to start over.

Depending on your state of residence, you may be able to buy hunting licenses in a variety of ways, including online (through your state department’s portal), by mail, by phone or in person. Choose the option that is most convenient for you. Make sure to also have any type of official documentation and payment for fees on hand.

No. Different states have different limits and regulations on hunting licensure. Certain animals may be considered “prohibited species,” whereas other animals may be legal to hunt, so long as you have the necessary hunting permit/stamp. Keep in mind that if you do hunt for any type of prohibited species, you will be subject to serious consequences.

Yes. States typically offer various short-term hunters license options, such as one-day and one-week passes, to those who do not meet residency requirements. In order to receive issuance of a short-term hunting license, make sure to get in touch with your state/hunting wildlife department to find out the available methods you have to apply.

In the event your hunting credentials are lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, contact your state hunting/wildlife department to order a hunting license replacement. You may have to make an in-person visit to a local office to complete the process. At the time of your replacement request, you may be asked to present your state driving license or another type of identification.